YASF Webinars

Young Adult Services Professional Development: The Teen Brain

Thursday, February 8, 2024, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. 
Join YASF in welcoming Regina Townsend for the Teen Brain. Regina will explain teen brain development ,its effects on teen behavior, and strategies for more effective communication and relationship-building with your teen patrons. Regina Townsend has over 15 years of experience as a youth librarian and teen specialist. Access to this webinar is only available to ILA personal members. Please log in to view webinar.

Media Literacy Education (Part 1)

Thursday, February 16, 2023. 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
New Trier High School faculty librarians Raquelle Brennan and Susan Peterson, have developed a flexible, modular system to help teens learn to evaluate sources online that is adaptable to different types of library programs. They will talk about their experiences guiding students and give tips and tricks on developing your own media literacy skills as well as those of your teens." (This presentation is only accessible to ILA members)

Media Literacy Education (Part 2) 

Thursday, February 16, 2023. 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
High school students Sofia and Agatha, co-directors of activist group Teens for Press Freedom, share the origin of their teen-run educational nonprofit, their current projects, and give their insights into how teens interact with the internet and how we, as librarians, can help.

What Should I Know About Book Bans in the US and Illinois Right Now

Thursday, May 12, 2022. 11:00 a.m. - Noon
Kelly Jensen will discuss that while Illinois may not top the list of states experiencing book bans, the threats to intellectual freedom throughout the state should be of concern to all who work with books and their readers. Get to know who is behind the most current wave of censorship attempts, their targets and tactics, and what you can do to be prepared if they come for your collection. This presentation will address topics including soft/quiet censorship, definitions of common censorship-related phrases, groups who you can turn to for advocacy or help, and how to broach conversations about collection development policies with administration to ensure they're working on behalf of your community, patrons, and professional staff.

Girls Resist! What Young Readers Know and Want to Know About Activism

Thursday, February 11, 2021, 10:00 a.m. - Noon
KaeLyn Rich will share her experiences with and expertise in engaging teens in leading activist work, drawing on her own career as an activist and community organizer. The program will have ample time for Q&A and discussion, following a brief presentation during which KaeLyn will talk about her popular YA book, Girls Resist: A Guide to Activism, Leadership, and Starting a Revolution, and share some facilitated activities that engage youth of all ages in discussions about activism, power, and equality.

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iREAD Summer Reading Programs

Since 1981, iREAD provides high quality, low-cost resources and products that enable local library staff to motivate children, young adults, and adults to read.

Visit the iREAD website »